NMEC Names Michael Torrech New Chairman

Posted by George BackwellMay 7, 2014

Michael S. Torrech, CEO of American Maritime Holdings: Photo NMEC

The National Maritime Education Council (NMEC) informs that Michael S. Torrech, CEO of American Maritime Holdings, a leader in the repair, shipbuilding, and maritime industry, has been named as its new chairman to succeed John Lotshaw of Huntington-Ingalls Shipbuilding.

Mr. Torrech, a founder of the NMEC, will lead the organization's strategic development of a national standardized maritime workforce program that addresses the critical issues facing the industry.

"I am passionate about helping the maritime industry develop and deploy a workforce development program and curricula that will be available throughout the United States," said Mr. Torrech.

Tim Johnson, Executive Director of the NMEC, is looking forward to working with Mr. Torrech in his new role, noting that “Michael, as one of the founders of the NMEC, is ideally suited to this leadership position and will contribute significantly to our success.” He added that the maritime industry is facing the challenge of replacing an aging workforce, and continued: "“By defining and standardizing skill sets, curricula, and credentials, we can help maritime focused companies lower the cost of recruiting, hiring, testing, and training workers and ultimately reduce employee turnover rates.”

NMEC explains that Michael S. Torrech is a 40 year veteran of the repair, ship building and maritime industry. Before co-founding American Maritime Holdings, he was President of Técnico Corporation. He holds Board positions with the Shipbuilders Council of America and Virginia Ship Repair Association. He is Chairman of the Board of Orphan Helpers and a board member of the Old Dominion University Development Council. He is a member of Rotary International and Entrepreneurs' Organization.

National Maritime Education Council is a member-based organization committed to the development of an industry-driven, national workforce development system for the maritime industry.

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